The report fails to understand local government is all about governing local communities.

It is important that the people understand how the Super Councils would be funded.

The report recommends outrageously, that revenue can be increased by abolishing the pensioner rate rebate, hiking up residential rates, and selling off local parks, playgrounds and community halls. Fees and charges for community facilities such as council swimming pools would also see hefty increases.

The report bizarrely contradicts itself. It recommends reducing the number of councils and then states it will create a fourth level of governance by setting up local boards to oversee the operation of the local communities.

I am confident that the people of Sydney will want to have their say before this most fundamental tier of government is dismantled forever by the Liberal O’Farrell government.

The Local Government Act provides for people to have their say by allowing referendums. In a democracy people should decide if they want their local council demolished.

It is the people who should decide how they are governed. I urge all councils to hold a referendum … let the people decide.

About Ron Hoenig

Ron Hoenig MP is the State Member for Heffron in the NSW Parliament.
He was elected to Parliament at a by-election on the 25 August 2012.
Prior to entering Parliament he was the Mayor of the City of Botany Bay, a position he held for more than 30 years. He was, and still is regarded by many as one of the most progressive Mayors in the Sydney metropolitan region.
He is a barrister and prior to entering parliament was a Public Defender for the State of New South Wales.
Ron Hoenig was born in Sydney and raised in Eastlakes, attending Eastlakes Public School, Daceyville Public School and The J.J. Cahill Memorial High School in Mascot.